It's time to think of children and stop closing schools for summer

Snow days lengthened the 2013-14 academic year by an average of eight days. Why not keep schools open in June and July?

They are, you say. It's called summer school.

OK, then, why not add fall school, winter school and spring school to summer school? We could call it "school for all seasons."

(Note: Before getting into the weeds on this issue, the honest, unadulterated answer to the question above is "tradition." End of discussion.)

Some school buildings are used during the summer months to provide enrichment and remedial programs. Sometimes community groups run programs in the buildings. Can't do that in October or February?

So-called "deep cleaning" of buildings is done during the summer. When is that done at the local factory that runs three shifts? Do hospitals send patients on summer leave so the floors can be waxed? I know, school buildings are different. . . .

Teachers need time off. Agreed, but they don't take it. They enroll in university classes, work at parks, attend professional development seminars and "yes" believe it or not, teach summer school. Teaching 11 months in lieu of nine would increase salaries to above minimum wage. Who would foot that bill?

Parents would complain about the loss of family vacation time. Others would not have to pay for child care. Not everyone would be pleased, nor would they all agree on advantages and disadvantages. What about all of those summer sporting events and travel to compete against other children in other towns?

Despite all of the rhetoric, our schools are good for children. Students actually learn, socialize, grow and contribute to the community. They are the best places many will experience. To heck with tradition, let's support our children.

David L. Hough, Ph.D., is professor and interim dean, College of Education at Missouri State University. You may contact him via email at: DavidHough01@gmail.com. Views expressed in this column are solely those of Hough and do not necessarily represent MSU positions.